Things To Do
in Naval

Naval is the capital town of Biliran province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, serving as the island’s main port and commercial center. It’s a low‑rise coastal town with a laid‑back pace, friendly locals, and easy access to beaches, island viewpoints and waterfalls around Biliran. The town’s economy revolves around fishing, small‑scale agriculture and services for visitors traveling between Leyte and Biliran.

Naval is a good base for exploring nearby islands like Sambawan, hiking the volcanic peaks of Biliran and sampling fresh seafood at local markets and seaside eateries.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration of Naval
morning
:

Arrive in Naval and settle into your accommodation, soaking in the fresh coastal air. After unpacking, take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque beaches to get acquainted with the serene atmosphere. Grab a hearty breakfast at a local eatery, savoring traditional Filipino dishes.

afternoon
:

Visit the Naval Cathedral, a stunning architectural gem that showcases the area's rich history and culture. Engage with friendly locals at the nearby market, where you can discover unique handicrafts and fresh produce. Spend some time at the Naval Port, enjoying the views of the bustling harbor and enjoying some local ice cream.

evening
:

Watch the sunset over the water, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink for a perfect photo opportunity. Dine at a beachfront restaurant, relishing fresh seafood while listening to the soothing sounds of waves. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the shore, reflecting on your new surroundings.

day 2
Visit to Biri Island
morning
:

Set off to Biri Island via a local boat, ready for an adventure in this stunning destination. Upon arrival, explore the unique rock formations that have been sculpted by the sea and are truly breathtaking. Capture pictures and take in the stunning views of the coastline and surrounding waters.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, surrounded by the natural beauty of the island. Take a swim in the clear waters before embarking on a hike to one of the island's scenic viewpoints. Discover the island's diverse wildlife, including unique birds and marine life, as you explore.

evening
:

Return to Naval and unwind after an exciting day. Tonight, taste local delicacies at a popular restaurant, where you can indulge in a variety of culinary treats. Share stories with fellow travelers or locals about your day’s adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-5
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$15-30
🛏️Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night)$15-40
🛺Short tricycle ride / local transport$0.20-0.70
💧Bottled water (1.5L)$0.50-1.00

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to islands, beaches and waterfalls — a great base for nature activities.
  • Fresh, affordable seafood and authentic provincial Filipino food.
  • Laid‑back, friendly local atmosphere with low tourist crowds.
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few upscale accommodation options.
  • Card and digital payment acceptance is limited — cash is essential.
  • Weather (typhoon season) can disrupt travel plans and ferry services.
  • "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
  • "Salamat" - Thank you
  • "Tagpila ini?" - How much is this?
  • "Diin ang pantalan / pier?" - Where is the pier?
  • "Pwede ko magbayad cash?" - Can I pay in cash?

Places to Visit in Naval

Visit one of these nice places.

Naval Pier / Port

Colorful fishing boats, morning fish auctions and sunset views make the port a lively spot for candid and coastal photography.

Sambawan Island Viewpoint

A short climb on the island rewards photographers with panoramic views of turquoise waters, jagged rock formations and surrounding islets — ideal for sunrise or midday shots.

Local Markets

The Naval Public Market offers vibrant scenes of produce, seafood and daily commerce — great for street and food photography with close interaction opportunities with vendors.

Waterfalls and Jungle Trails

Nearby waterfalls and forested trails provide opportunities for nature shots, long‑exposure water photos and botanical close‑ups; bring a waterproof bag for gear.

Seafront at Sunset

Low‑rise coastal views and silhouettes of fishermen and boats are beautiful during golden hour — perfect for wide‑angle and silhouette photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Naval

Naval’s cuisine is coastal and comfort‑driven: expect lots of fresh seafood, coconut‑based dishes, simple grilled fare and provincial versions of Philippine staples. Meals are affordable, often served in small family‑run eateries (carinderias) or at market stalls. Fish, shellfish and coconut products feature heavily, and many dishes are seasoned simply to showcase fresh ingredients.

Naval Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kinilaw

A Filipino ceviche made with raw fish or shellfish cured in vinegar or calamansi, mixed with onion, ginger, chili and coconut or coconut milk in some local versions; commonly found at market stalls and seaside eateries.

Must-Try!

Grilled Fish and Seafood

Freshly caught fish, squid or shrimp simply salted and grilled over charcoal; best at seaside carinderias near the port.

Tinolang Isda / Fish Tinola

A simple clear fish soup with ginger, green papaya or sayote and local greens — warming and common in home kitchens and small restaurants.

Danggit and Other Dried Fish

Sun‑dried fish (danggit or similar) eaten for breakfast with rice and vinegar — readily available at the market.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Naval Public Market

The best place to find fresh seafood straight off the boats, local produce and small snack stalls selling grilled skewers, fried banana, rice snacks and freshly brewed coffee.

Portside Food Stalls

Simple stands and carinderias near the pier serving grilled catches, kinilaw and rice plates — perfect for budget meals and observing daily life.

Climate Guide

Weather

Naval has a tropical climate: warm year‑round with a pronounced rainy season (roughly June–November) and a drier, hotter season (March–May). Average temperatures range from the low 20s°C (70s°F) at night to low 30s°C (high 80s–90s°F) by day. Typhoons can occur during the rainy season, bringing heavy rain and rough seas.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Use polite language, greet older people first when entering a home and show deference in conversation; simple greetings and a smile go a long way.

Modest Dress in Rural Areas

Dress modestly when visiting churches, barangay halls or family homes — avoid overly revealing clothing in conservative settings.

Offer Food with Both Hands / Accept with Thanks

When offered food or small items, it’s polite to accept with both hands or say thank you; casual hospitality is common in provincial towns.

Ask Before Photographing People

Always ask permission before taking close portraits, especially in markets, churches or during private events.

Safety Guide

Safety

Naval is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime; petty theft and occasional scooter/tricycle accidents are the most common concerns. Be cautious with nighttime walking in poorly lit areas, keep valuables secure, use helmets on motorcycles, and check weather warnings during typhoon season before taking ferries or going on island trips. Always use licensed boatmen and local guides for sea and mountain activities.

Tipping in Naval

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In small eateries and tricycle rides, rounding up the fare or leaving small change is common. For boatmen, guides and hotel staff, 50–200 PHP (around $1–4) depending on service is a polite gesture.

Payment Methods

Cash (Philippine peso) is king in Naval. Most small businesses, markets and tricycle drivers do not accept cards. Some mid‑range hotels or restaurants may accept card or mobile payments, but don’t count on it — carry sufficient cash and small bills for market purchases and transport.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer (March–May)

Hot and humid with high temperatures; sea conditions are generally calmer, making this a popular time for island hopping, beach activities and snorkeling. Bring sun protection, lightweight clothing and hydrate frequently.

Rainy / Monsoon (June–November)

Frequent afternoon rains and the active typhoon season (peak Aug–Oct) can disrupt travel plans, ferry schedules and outdoor activities. Monitor weather bulletins and be flexible with itineraries; inland trails can get muddy and waterfalls may be stronger and dangerous after heavy rain.

Cooler months / Early Winter (December–February)

Slightly cooler and less humid, with clearer skies — a comfortable time to explore outdoors and visit local festivals during town fiestas and holiday events. Nights can be breezy; light layers are useful.

Nightlife Guide

Naval at Night

Naval’s nightlife is low‑key and community‑oriented: expect small bars, karaokes, eating stalls and occasional live music rather than dance clubs. Local residents often socialize at seaside eateries, karaoke bars and small beer houses; town fiestas and holiday celebrations provide the liveliest nights with music, dancing and street food.

Hiking in Naval

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Biliran (Volcanic Ridges)

A day hike to volcanic ridges and viewpoints offering panoramic island and sea views; trails vary in difficulty — hire a local guide and check conditions before attempting.

Sambawan Island Viewpoint Hike

A short but steep climb on Sambawan Island rewards hikers with sweeping views of surrounding islets and clear water snorkel sites; combine with a boat trip for snorkeling.

Waterfall Trails and Jungle Walks

Several short hikes lead to waterfalls and cascades in Biliran; trails can be muddy after rain so wear sturdy shoes and go with a local guide for the safest experience.

Airports

How to reach Naval by plane.

Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport (Tacloban)

The closest major commercial airport with regular flights to Manila and other hubs. From Tacloban you can take a ferry or a combination of road and ferry to Naval — travel time varies by schedule and sea conditions (typically a few hours including transfer).

Ormoc / Nearby Regional Airstrips

Some nearby towns have smaller regional airstrips with limited or charter services; check current schedules and connections. Ground and sea transfers are commonly used between these airstrips and Naval.

Mactan–Cebu International Airport (Cebu)

A major domestic and international hub. If arriving in Cebu, you can continue by flight to Tacloban or take ferry/boat + land transport combinations to reach Biliran and Naval; total travel time will be longer but connections are frequent.

Getting Around

Walkability

Naval is moderately walkable around the town center, port and market areas where distances are short and streets are flat. For outlying attractions, beaches and trails you will need tricycles, motorcycles, rented motorbikes or boat transport. Sidewalks may be uneven or absent in parts of town, so wear comfortable shoes and be cautious with motor traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Waray‑Waray and Cebuano Speakers

Many residents speak Waray‑Waray or Cebuano, with Tagalog and English widely understood in public spaces and among younger people.

Fishing and Farming Communities

Local demographics are dominated by families involved in fishing, small‑scale agriculture and trade — tight‑knit communities with strong local ties.

Roman Catholic Majority

The area is predominantly Roman Catholic, and religious festivals and church events play an important role in community life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Basketball is the most popular sport across the Philippines, including Naval — small courts and pickup games are common in barangays and schools.

Coastal Fishing and Boat Racing

Fishing is both livelihood and recreation; during town fiestas, boat races or maritime events may be held, showcasing local skills.

Volleyball

Volleyball is also widely played in schools and barangays, often alongside community festivals and competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Naval is light compared with big cities; most trips are by tricycle, motorcycle (habal‑habal) or jeepney for nearby routes. Expect occasional congestion near the market, pier and school dismissal times. Inter‑island travel depends on ferry schedules; always allow extra time for boats and weather‑related delays.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Naval.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are limited but manageable: order vegetable stews, grilled vegetables, plain rice, egg dishes and local salads. Communicate clearly (in Tagalog or simple English) that you don’t eat meat or fish; many carinderias will make a vegetable plate or egg omelette on request.

Vegan / Gluten‑free

Vegan and strict gluten‑free choices are harder to find in small towns. Rely on fresh fruits, plain rice, steamed vegetables and ask vendors about sauces (fish sauce and shrimp paste are common). Bring snacks or specialty items if you have strict needs.

Seafood Allergies

Because seafood dominates local menus and kitchens, cross‑contamination is likely. Clearly inform cooks and prefer simple vegetable or meat dishes if seafood allergy is severe.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services and a municipal health center are available in Naval for minor injuries and common illnesses; there is likely a provincial hospital for more serious cases. For advanced medical care or emergencies requiring specialist treatment, patients are usually referred to larger hospitals in Tacloban or Cebu. Travelers should carry basic medications, insect repellent, and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed.

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